Committee backs bill to change legislative session schedule, cites term-limit impacts; referred to appropriations

The Government and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 11-2 to recommend House Bill 1408, sending the measure to the Appropriations Committee for fiscal review.

Why it matters: HB 1408 would alter legislative session timing or related institutional changes (the transcript referenced session frequency and interim committee continuity). Members debated whether increased turnover from term limits will reduce institutional knowledge and whether more continuity or different structures are needed.

Representative Vedder, who spoke in support of the bill, said the legislature faces increased turnover under recent term-limit rules and that demographic shifts matter for workload and continuity. “Based off of public information, 63% of our current legislature is either retired, self employed, which would also be considered a farmer and or rancher, or a student,” Vedder said. He added that depending on election outcomes, the 70th legislative assembly could have “nearly 49%” freshmen and that could rise in future sessions.

Vice Chairman Satrim said he was “really impressed” with comments from Representative Louser about how the proposal could preserve committee continuity across interim work and sessions and allow deeper subject-matter work.

Representative Schneider moved a do-pass recommendation and the committee forwarded the bill to Appropriations; the motion passed 11-2 on a roll-call vote. Representatives Carls and Rohrer cast the two no votes.

Next steps: HB 1408 will be considered by the House Appropriations Committee for a fiscal determination and any recommended amendments.